1
as in startling
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
we all clustered around to hear the shocking news of our colleague's sudden death
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in terrifying
causing fear
the shocking appearance of a shark just a few yards off shore
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disgusting
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment
the shocking behavior of some rowdies at the dance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in gruesome
extremely disturbing or repellent
a soldier who had witnessed the shocking sight of his best friend being killed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in appalling
to cause an unpleasant surprise for
Mom was shocked by the terrible news that her cousin had died in an accident I was shocked to find out that I was the victim of identity theft
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in surprising
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
were shocked by the way the law against public intoxication was constantly being broken
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in frightening
to strike with fear
the sudden appearance of the ghost shocked us to the core
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shocking
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
The wins were a shocking blow to many establishment Democrats in the party - some of whom were disappointed in the mayor for his decision to endorse.
—
Amethyst Martinez,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Self-expression wants center stage as free-loving Venus moves through your sign, forming a supportive sextile to shocking Uranus in your 11th House of Friends and Community now.
—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Adjective
Honesty is necessary, but using shocking information as leverage will only intensify the issue.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
The wins were a shocking blow to many establishment Democrats in the party - some of whom were disappointed in the mayor for his decision to endorse.
—
Amethyst Martinez,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
Verb
This sweeping novel opens in nineteen-sixties Calcutta, when a three-year-old girl demands to eat fish, shocking her family of Jains.
—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Self-expression wants center stage as free-loving Venus moves through your sign, forming a supportive sextile to shocking Uranus in your 11th House of Friends and Community now.
—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shocking
Adjective
-
The visitor—who understands English but can’t speak—gradually learns to fit in while deploying his few but startling paranormal abilities.
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In a 2010 study, scientists cooked meatloaf and found that startling quantities of silicone migrated into the food.
Adjective
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That year, the Potomac River turned violent, as intense, heavy rains pushed the water to a terrifying, near-record flood level of 60,000 cubic feet per second.
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Just like waiting for the release of the bull, the ride vehicle will pause for three seconds before a terrifying 285-foot drop.
Adjective
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Noah Kahan is speaking out about a disgusting habit picked up by some music fans.
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French broadcaster French Pierron was under fire for calling childbirth 'a disgusting moment.
Adjective
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Chris Brown was found liable by a Los Angeles jury on Tuesday for $13 million in the gruesome case of a dog that mauled and disfigured his housekeeper at his home in 2020.
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But as the days dragged on, headlines about power outages and water shortages took a back seat to a far more gruesome and horrific reality.
Verb
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The young Forster recoiled from the school’s culture of authoritarianism and militaristic chauvinism, which may have found expression in the students’ often appalling attitudes toward their own mothers.
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Of all the recent poster boys for appalling misbehavior by the State Police, Michael Proctor would of course rank number one.
Verb
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Druski's already kicked off his hosting duties in a big way, sharing the news of his hosting with A-listers like Cardi B and Jamie Foxx by surprising them with gospel choirs, mariachi bands and even on horseback.
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Coastal Mississippi is constantly surprising us, but one of its most delightful surprises is the fact that some of its beaches have white sand that rivals even Florida’s top spots.
Verb
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Powell tried to open the stall door, and then began fondling himself, frightening the 11-year-old, who tried to leave, but Powell blocked him from getting out.
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This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.
Adjective
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The eighth-floor outdoor pool has amazing views, and the hotel sits in walking distance of shops and restaurants.
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The director, 68, and the action star, 78, worked together on 1996's Eraser, with both wanting to deliver an amazing action movie.
Cite this Entry
“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shocking. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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